Office of the Government has issued Notification No. 387/TB-VPCP dated August 16, 2024, announcing Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha's conclusions on developing and promulgating a Decree on mechanisms and policies to encourage the growth of self-produced, self-consumed rooftop solar power. This marks a significant milestone in advancing renewable energy in Vietnam.
Political Commitment and Development Direction
The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have recently issued strong directives regarding the development of this Decree. The spirit of these directives is clearly reflected in the motto "focus on implementation, not regression," affirming no delays in timing, schedule, or objectives. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has fundamentally incorporated these directives and is finalizing the draft Decree to ensure feasibility and alignment with new circumstances.
Clarification of Concepts and New Regulations
A notable aspect of the new policy is the refinement of the "self-production, self-consumption" concept in rooftop solar power. The primary purpose of installing rooftop solar systems is to serve on-site consumption needs of residents and businesses. In cases of surplus power generation, the amount permitted for grid sale must not exceed 20% of total capacity, ensuring adherence to the "self-production, self-consumption" principle.
Administrative Procedure Simplification
For residents, households, and public sector facilities, the new policy emphasizes administrative procedure simplification. These entities will be subject to post-inspection rather than pre-inspection mechanisms. This means they only need to notify relevant authorities about grid-connected power generation after installing equipment on existing structures.
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Capacity-Based Management Classification
The new policy categorizes management based on installation capacity:
- For installations with capacity from 100kW to under 1MW: Mandatory registration with local power authorities for remote control system grid connection when selling surplus power.
- For projects 1MW and above: Investors must complete business registration as per legal requirements.
Technical Solutions and Management
To ensure power system operational safety, the Deputy Prime Minister requires:
- Establishment of regulations for metering system acceptance and remote data collection
- Implementation of local monitoring and control systems
- Information connectivity with distribution-level monitoring and control systems
- Research into digital management solutions for rooftop solar power, especially during holidays
Special Policies for Systems with Storage Batteries
For rooftop solar systems with storage batteries, the new policy proposes allowing 100% surplus power purchase and time-based pricing. This differentiates it from conventional systems, aiming to encourage investment in energy storage technology.
Upcoming Tasks
The Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Electricity Group, Northern Power Corporation, Energy Institute, and related agencies are tasked with:
- Studying and calculating load demands
- Evaluating transmission capabilities
- Ensuring system control and safety
- Proposing capacity upgrade solutions for rooftop solar
These proposals will be submitted to the Prime Minister in September 2024 for consideration in adjusting the National Power Development Plan regarding rooftop solar energy.
The issuance of these new policies demonstrates the government's determination to advance renewable energy while ensuring operational feasibility and safety. The adjustments to administrative procedures and management mechanisms are expected to facilitate public and business participation in the country's green energy transition.
Nguồn: EVN
